Synrad 32-1 - Cleaning Optics

SYNRAD® 32-1 Operator’s Manual Version 2.2
57
Maintenance
Maintenance/
Troubleshooting
Cleaning optics
1 Shut o and lock out all power to the laser. You must verify that the laser is OFF (in a
zero-energy state) before continuing with the optical inspection!
2 Visually inspect all optical surfaces in the beam path for contaminants.
3 Remove loose contaminants from the optic by holding a clean air bulb at an angle to
the optic and blow a stream of air at a glancing angle across the lens surface. Repeat
as necessary.
4 Dampen a lens wipe with the selected cleaning agent. Alcohol (least aggressive) is
best for initial surface cleaning. Acetone (moderately aggressive) is best for oily resi-
due or minor baked-on vapors and debris.
5 Gently, and without applying pressure, drag the damp lens wipe across the optical
surface in a single pass. Do not rub or apply any pressure, especially when using a
cotton swab. Drag the wipe without applying any downward pressure.
6 Carefully examine the optic under suitable lighting. Certain contaminants or damage
such as pitting cannot be removed. In these cases the optic must be replaced
to prevent catastrophic failure.
7 Repeat Steps 4 through 6 as required, removing all traces of contaminants and depos-
its.
Important
Note:
If acetone is used as a cleaning solvent, a second follow-up cleaning of the
optical surface using alcohol is required to remove any acetone residue.
Use a clean lens wipe on each pass. The wipe will pick up and carry surface
contaminants that may scratch optical surfaces or coatings if reused.
Caution
Do not allow the nozzle of the air bulb to touch the optical sur-
face. Any contact may damage the optic by scratching coatings on
the optical surface.
Do not use compressed shop air to blow contamination from the
optic. Compressed air contains signicant amounts of water and oil
that form adsorbing lms on the optical surface.
Do not exert pressure on the surface of the optic during cleaning.
Optical surfaces and coatings are easily scratched by dislodged con-
taminants.
Use a new lens wipe on each pass as contaminants picked up by
the wipe may scratch the optical surface.
Possible
Equipment
Damage